Fix Television in 2010

I love my television. I was one of the only children I knew who didn’t have a television until the age of 18! I don’t regret living without the influences and allure that come with the boob tube. It allowed me to develop free from outside influence, but now as a full grown adult I can confidently state that…I am addicted. As a matter of fact, one of my new years resolutions is to cut back. Sadly, television has suffered through so very much as of late considering the recent Writers Strike, and the impeding Screen Actors Strike we may be looking at another crisis in the entertainment industry. The question has quickly become can we save television? What will it take to fix television in 2009?

1. Niche Experience

I, personally, want to experience my entertainment. Television rarely offer us a personal amazing experience. Television has succeeded in entertaining us along longer genre themes.  “Lost” intrigues us to the point of congregating to enjoy it. Sex in the City spoke so well to a select few women that nationwide parties sprung up. Give us more content to specifically to our lives that we find interesting. Simply “staying fresh” isn’t good enough anymore. “‘Big Bang Theory” works on many levels both geek and not geek alike.

2. Smarter Interaction Television

Television needs to connect with me more. Currently, there are shows that connect with millions of people regularly. “American Idol” a monolith to be reckon with, and is only now show signs of slightly slowing after nearly 8 seasons.  “Dancing With the Stars.” “Americas got Talent” brought us the former cell phone salesman turned opera singer phenomena. However there are a few ugly ducklings who remembers “Hot or Not” with Lorezo Lamas? Or what about .

3. Create Cause Television

Television has to stand for something. In today’s intensely democratic lifestyle it is popular to be a neutral pundit. It is far to difficult to convey change for both sides of the spectrum at the same time. David E. Kelly has won many an Emmy with “Boston Legal” due to his engaging story lines, and shall we say, colorful characters. However, I am most appreciative by its closing few minutes which causes me to pause and consider my worldview. Granted Kelley is a bit heavy handing upon conservative, religious, or Republican views, but he at least tempers his assaults with a delicate balance with the sly exposure of the liberal, relativistic, Democratic underbelly. Stand for something, but make me pause and think. We need more cause television. Yes, we do need to be entertained, but I also want to be engaged or challenged. Even if it is in form of seemingly haphazard satire or political parody of “Family Guy.” Television has largely lost its soul, and I don’t mean its funky groove.

4. Reality Television

Reality television needs to inspire us. Understood, we all know reality television is not reality. Rather a heighten sense of stupidity. We have nearly seen it all. We have already explored the sexual gambit from the inception stereotypical of “Road Rules,” to the voyeuristic “Shot of Love,” and we are generally over it. Currently, America is far more fascinated with feel good content of “Extreme Home Makeover.” We would like to watch television that reminds us that there is still hope. I would go so far as to advocate further exploring inspirational sub-genre’s. “Little People, Big World” does well for itself, and very shortly we will find if Fox’s “Secret Millionaire” is able to perform. In today’s economic downturn we need to either escape or be inspired, not entertained by the awkward or ugly side of life.

5. Reconsider Talent

There is a disparaging amount of minorities within television. Previously, I was never bothered by this fact, but the moment we pulled “George Lopez” in favor Gieco “Caveman,” when we pulled the critically acclaimed “Wayne Brady” talk show for more “Ellen,” (I love you, Ellen) I simply have had enough. I am not crying out for more sexual diversity or orientation diversification mind you. We have quite enough of that. I believe that both the sexes are adequately represented. “Samantha Who” anyone? Having met Christina I am very proud of her work and current endurance through personal crisis. I’m done with the sexual orientation or assignment being the denouement.  I’m still recovering from Ava Moore character of Famke Janssen in Nip/Tuck Season. Wow.

Believe me I appreciate the plight of man, but let me see more cultural diversity. I only see an Indian if they have awkward spirituality. Thank God for Tyler Perry! The man has done more with his limited talents then I have ever seen.

6. Commercials Less is More

Commercials were one of the largest deterrent of television viewing. Then came Tivo with its precious fast forward. Also a few friends over at Fox explained their “Remote Free TV” concept, and how it has performed well on key shows including “Fringe.” Commercials are limited to 30 seconds, and it is even announced by a Fringe bumper reminding viewers that they will be right back in 31 seconds. Fox is charging more for premiumcommerical spots, and therefor are running less. Gimmee more of this less stuff.

Conclusion

Never fear, telelvision has faired through even worse days then this. Even with a few daunting tasks on the horizon, including the upcoming Digital Transition, telelvision will continue to thrive. Curious, I wonder what other new forms or genres of telelvision we will see in coming years? Reality telelvision is rather new, perhaps we will have a new type. Any thoughts?